Buddhism in the Modern World explores the challenges faced by Buddhism today, the distinctive forms that it has taken and the individuals and movements that have shaped it. Part One discusses the modern history of Buddhism in different geographical regions, from Southeast Asia to North America. Part Two examines key themes including globalization, gender issues, and the ways in which Buddhism has confronted modernity, science, popular culture and national politics. Each chapter is written by a distinguished scholar in the field and includes photographs, summaries, discussion points and suggestions for further reading. The book provides a lively and up-to-date overview that is indispensable for both students and scholars of Buddhism.
Introduction David L. McMahan Part 1: Buddhism in Its Geographical Contexts 1. Modern Buddhist Conjunctures in Southeast Asia Juliane Schober 2. Buddhism in Modern Sri Lanka Stephen C. Berkwitz 3. Searching for a Place to Sit: Buddhists in Modern Japan Clark Chilson 4. Buddhism in China and Taiwan Gareth Fisher 5. Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhism Sarah Jacoby and Antonio Terrone 6. Modernist Interpretations of Buddhism in Europe Martin Baumann 7. The North American Buddhist Experience Paul David Numrich Part 2: Buddhism and the Challenges of Modernity 8. Buddhist Modernism David L. McMahan 9. Buddhism, Politics, and Nationalism Ian Harris 10. Socially Engaged Buddhism Sallie B. King 11. Buddhist Ethics: A Critique Damien Keown 12. Buddhism and the Powers of the Mind Richard K. Payne 13. Buddhism and Gender Liz Wilson 14. Buddhism and Science: Translating and Re-translating Culture Francisca Cho 15. Buddhism and Globalization Cristina Rocha 16. Buddhism, Media, and Popular Culture Scott A. Mitchell
Biography
David L. McMahan is Professor of Religious Studies at Franklin & Marshall College, USA. He is the author of The Making of Buddhist Modernism (Oxford, 2008) and Empty Vision: Metaphor and Visionary Imagery in Mahāyāna Buddhism (Routledge, 2002).
'Buddhism now appears in new places: advertisements, pain clinics, brain labs and ‘meditation centers.’ This emerging globalized Buddhism stands in complex relation to Asian traditions on the ground. Highly useful for teachers and researchers alike, this volume uniquely combines the Asian, Western and global contexts with crucial themes - such as politics, science and gender - in our late modern world.' – John D. Dunne, Associate Professor of Religion, Emory University, USA
'This book is very much to be welcomed for those who, in a reflective and critical way, want to go beyond a basic understanding of Buddhist doctrines and Buddhism in history to see the ways in which Buddhist doctrine and practice are responding to, adapting to, and adopting the modern world even as they are adopted and adapted by those within it.' – Paul Williams, Emeritus Professor of Indian and Tibetan Philosophy, University of Bristol, UK
'Edited by David L. McMahan, a scholar of Buddhism and modernity, the volume has contributions from a range of well-known and emerging scholars from a variety of fields... The volume offers a kind of refracted lens for a diverse and plural web of communities and practitioners, shining a light on multiple and often contentious social histories and intellectual, economic and political forces.' – Annabella Pitkin, Barnard College,USA in Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly
'What distinguishes McMahan’s edited volume from previous works is its collective scope, integration of current scholarship, and accessibility to students who are unfamiliar with Buddhist traditions. Buddhism in the Modern World brings together scholars of high caliber and provides much needed groundwork in the still burgeoning interdisciplinary track of Buddhist Studies.' – Michael K. Jerryson, Eckerd College, USA in Religion
